Leila Faldin

Good morning, Layla.

Good morning.

How was your Christmas?

It was great.

Exhausting.

So we're almost at the end of 2025.

Hard to believe, right?

Yeah, I mean, it feels like it passed so quickly because it's been a tough year.

Busy year in the news, a tough year for NPR and local stations.

You know, but despite that loss of federal funding for public media, despite continued attacks on the free press, we are still here and we are here for you.

Up first, NPR will keep reporting the news without fear or favor.

Yeah, we're committed to being here, to bringing you the news you need to start your day every morning.

But we need your support now more than ever.

And right now, before the end of the year, it's the best time to make your gift.

Thank you to our NPR Plus supporters who help sustain NPR and to everybody who has already stepped up to donate.

That includes Sarah in Georgia who says, Up first is a great start to the day.

I even smile at A's jokes, even though it's too early for them.

I know.

We feel her pain.

Whoops.